On November 11, 2024, a groundbreaking event was held at the JICA Headquarters Office, Takebashi in Tokyo, Japan to facilitate international business expansion between Japan and Africa. Titled “Unlocking Africa: Expanding Japanese Businesses through Franchising,” the initiative sought to address the cautious approach many Japanese companies take when venturing into African markets. The event brought together over 100 participants, including CEOs, directors of Japanese companies, JICA and JICE officials, foreign students from across Japan representing 26 countries.

This event showcased the immense potential of franchising as a solution for overcoming the challenges of international expansion, creating opportunities for both Japanese businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in African markets.

Building Bridges Between Japan and Africa
My journey as a student at IUJ introduced me to over 200 Japanese companies, many of whom expressed an interest in entering African markets but hesitated due to uncertainties about market dynamics and risks. These concerns highlighted the need for a solution that could reduce risks while fostering sustainable partnerships.

Franchising emerged as the ideal solution. It allows aspiring entrepreneurs to operate under the trusted name and business model of an established company. This approach minimizes risks for both parties while enabling local entrepreneurs to leverage the expertise and resources of their franchisors.

A shining example of this success is Sergio, an IUJ alumnus who partnered with Assentia Holdings Inc. to establish a laundromat franchise in Mozambique. With Assentia’s support in sourcing equipment, securing funding, and logistics, Sergio successfully launched his business, proving that franchising is a viable pathway for international collaboration.

Highlights of the Event
The event served as a platform for connection, learning, and collaboration. Key highlights included:

• Insights from Japanese Industry Leaders: Experts shared their strategies for achieving international success through franchising.
• Business Networking/Pitches: Participants, including IUJ students, presented their ideas directly to Japanese companies, fostering dialogue on market opportunities.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Japanese executives expressed keen interest in exploring African markets, demonstrating a shift toward proactive expansion.

Gratitude and Recognition
In my closing remarks, I emphasized the power of connection and collaboration. I expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors and key supporters who made the event a success:

Assentia Holdings Management: CEO Mr. Akira Tsuchiya and Director Mr. Nobu Matsumoto.
Corporate Sponsors: Tateishi Corporation, Imayoshi Seicha, Taiyo Yuka, TENTAKAKU Co., Ltd., HAMAYA Corporation, FCE Co., Ltd., and GP Staff Co., Ltd.
Key Institutions: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with special thanks to Ikewada-san and the Africa Department team; the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) for their unwavering support; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for officially registering the event as part of TICAD9.

I also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of IUJ Management, whose students brought a unique blend of global and local perspectives, and the dedicated organizing team whose efforts ensured a seamless and impactful event.

Social and Economic Impact
This event underscored the transformative potential of franchising in:

Economic Growth: New partnerships are expected to generate jobs and stimulate trade in African markets.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration: The event highlighted the value of diversity in fostering meaningful business relationships.
Entrepreneurial Empowerment: By equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, this initiative paves the way for sustainable development.

Moving Forward
As the event concluded, participants left inspired by the opportunities for collaboration and the potential to create lasting social and economic impacts. My vision is for this initiative to serve as a blueprint for fostering global partnerships, building bridges across cultures, and empowering entrepreneurs to address real-world challenges.

The success of this event is a testament to the possibilities of international cooperation. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for global commerce, one partnership at a time.

Abdulazeez Idiaro
Tokyo, Japan
11 November, 2024